Helping those affected by suicide attempts

By Christy Dimond&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Fri 4:40 PM, Mar 15, 2013&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Fri 8:17 PM, Mar 15, 2013

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) -- When Juliet Carr’s father attempted suicide for the second time, she felt she had no where to turn. She looked for answers—how to overcome her anger and devastation, how to rebuild her relationship with her dad, how to let him know she was there for him—but didn’t find answers.

She found resources for people who’ve lost a loved one to suicide, but nothing for those who’ve had a loved one attempt suicide.

“When someone dies by suicide, there’s a certain amount of closure, not that there’s not an empty hole in your life but you don’t have to look that person in the eye and say what a devastating experience this has been for you and your kids and your life,” Carr said.

Since her father’s attempts, Carr spent the last seven years searching for the answers to her own questions. She launched a website, www.attemptedsuicidehelp.com, to share her findings and create a resource that addressed those affected by a suicide attempt.

“We’re really hoping this will be something someone can use and hopefully support an attempt survivor and hopefully there won’t be any moer attempts in their life,” said Heather Nara, vice-president of Western Slope National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The website has resources available for those who’ve attempted suicide, who have loved ones who’ve attempted suicide, and for friends of someone who’s been affected by a suicide attempt. For example, it includes a list of things to say and not to say to someone who’s attempted suicide.

Carr will be speaking at NAMI’s mental health education event Saturday, March 16th from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Mesa County Health Department.

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